The Abandoned Wife's Second Chance (Scarlett and Jasper) novel Chapter 42

(Virginia’s POV)

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The next morning, I’m standing in the marble lobby of Cross Industries at exactly nine AM, wearing my most professional outfit and practicing my most concerned expression in the reflection of the elevator doors.

Dorian Cross has offices on the forty–second floor, according to the company directory. Getting past security was easier than I expected–a tearful story about being Scarlett’s concerned friend, worried about her getting involved with the wrong sort of man, was enough to get me a visitor’s badge and an escort to the executive level.

“Mr. Cross is in meetings all morning,” his assistant–a severe–looking woman with silver hair and sharp glasses–tells me without looking up from her computer. “If you’d like to make an appointment-”

“It’s urgent,” I interrupt, letting just the right amount of desperation creep into my voice. “Please. It’s about Scarlett Stone. She’s in real danger, and he’s the only one who can help

her.”

That gets her attention. She looks up, studying my face with calculating eyes.

“What kind of danger?”

“The kind that could destroy her life. And his reputation.”

Five minutes later, I’m sitting across from Dorian Cross himself in an office that screams money and power. Floor–to–ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the city, and everything from the mahogany desk to the leather chairs speaks of success earned and

maintained.

He’s even more intimidating in person than in his photos. Tall, broad–shouldered, with the kind of presence that commands attention. But there’s also something gentle about his expression when he looks at me, concerned and ready to listen.

No wonder Scarlett chose him. He’s everything she always wanted Jasper to be.

“Miss Stone, is it?” His voice is deep, professional. “My assistant said you have concerns about Scarlett Stone.”

“I do.” I clasp my hands in my lap, the picture of worried sincerity. “I’ve known Scarlett for years, Mr. Cross. I watched her marriage to Jasper Blake fall apart, and I’m afraid… I’m afraid she’s going to do the same thing to you.”

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His expression doesn’t change, but I catch the slight tightening around his eyes. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

“Scarlett has a pattern,” I say carefully. “She presents herself as this sweet, innocent woman who’s been wronged by the world. But the truth is, she’s incredibly manipulative. She creates drama, manufactures crises, and then plays the victim when people react to her behavior.”

“That’s quite an accusation.”

“It’s the truth.” I lean forward, injecting urgency into my voice. “Do you know why her marriage really ended, Mr. Cross?”

“I know enough.”

“Do you? Because Scarlett would have you believe that Jasper abandoned her, that he chose another woman over his pregnant wife. But that’s not what happened at all.”

I can see I have his attention now. His posture has shifted, become more alert.

“What really happened,” I continue, “is that Scarlett became insanely jealous of Jasper’s friendship with me. Not because there was anything romantic between us–there wasn’t–but because she couldn’t stand sharing his attention with anyone.”

“Miss Stone-”

“Please, let me finish. This is important.” I take a shaky breath, like this is difficult for me to say. “The night she left, I had a severe panic attack. Life–threatening. Jasper had promised to take Scarlett to see some meteor shower, but when I called for help, he made the reasonable choice to save my life first.”

Dorian’s expression is carefully neutral, but I can see he’s listening.

“Scarlett threw a tantrum,” I continue. “Got out of the car on the highway and refused to get back in. Jasper begged her to be reasonable, but she wouldn’t listen. She was so angry about not getting her way that she was willing to put herself and her unborn child at risk just to make a point.”

“That sounds like a complicated situation-”

“It gets worse. After Jasper left to get me medical help–after choosing to save my life over indulging her tantrum–Scarlett decided to punish him. She filed for divorce without even trying to work things out. She cut off all contact, took his child away from him, and disappeared.”

I pause, letting that sink in.

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“For four years, Mr. Cross, Jasper has been searching for his wife and child. Do you know what that kind of loss does to a man? Do you know what it’s like to wonder every day whether your child is alive, whether they’re safe, whether they even know you exist?”

Something flickers across Dorian’s features. Doubt, maybe. Or concern.

“And now,” I press on, “Scarlett waltzes back into town with her successful business and her new life, and what does she do? She parades her relationship with you in front of her devastated ex–husband like it’s some kind of victory.”

“Miss Stone, I think you should stop-”

“She’s using you.” The words come out sharp, desperate. “She’s using your feelings for her, your success, your reputation, to make herself look good and make Jasper suffer. That’s who Scarlett Stone really is–a woman who destroys the people who love her and then moves on

to the next victim.”

The silence that follows is deafening. Dorian stares at me for a long moment, his dark eyes unreadable.

Then he stands.

“Miss Stone, I’m going to ask you to leave my office.”

“But I’m trying to help-”

“No,” he says firmly, moving around the desk toward me. “You’re trying to sabotage a good woman’s reputation with lies and manipulation. And I won’t sit here and listen to it.”

My heart pounds as he towers over me. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was supposed to listen, supposed to doubt, supposed to see the truth about what Scarlett really is.

“They’re not lies-”

“They are.” His voice is cold now, all warmth gone. “Every word out of your mouth has been calculated to paint Scarlett as some kind of villain, when the truth is obvious to anyone who knows her.”

“You don’t understand-”

“I understand perfectly.” He crosses to his office door, opening it wide. “You’re a jealous, bitter woman who can’t stand seeing someone else find happiness. And you’re willing to spread poison to try to destroy that happiness.”

The accusation hits like a slap. “That’s not-”

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“Scarlett is one of the strongest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. She’s built a life for herself and her daughter through sheer determination and hard work. She’s kind, generous, and completely devoted to that little girl.” His eyes flash with protective anger. “And if you think I’m going to let you tear her down with your toxic lies, you’re even more delusional than I thought.”

I stand on shaking legs, my carefully constructed story crumbling around me.

“Mr. Cross, please. If you’ll just listen-”

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